Promoting a transition from a society that consumes vast amounts of fossil resources to one that utilizes sustainable bio-resources.
GESHER, Inc. (CEO: Yohei Harada, Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo) has begun importing and selling bio-products within its open innovation business, which previously focused on consulting and database sales. Through the import and sale of bio-products made from plant-derived materials, mainly from Europe, the United States, and China, GESHER aims to support the realization of Japan's bioeconomy.
What is a Bioeconomy?
A bioeconomy refers to economic activities or concepts that aim to address global issues such as resource depletion and global warming through the fusion of biomass (biological resources), biotechnology, and data science, while also achieving economic growth. The bioeconomy is gaining attention as it can contribute to more than 10 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
Bioeconomy in the Japanese Market
In June 2019, the Japanese government announced their "Bio Strategy", decided by the Integrated Innovation Strategy Promotion Council, following earlier bio strategies formulated in 2000 and 2008. However, there was a gap of over ten years until the 2019 strategy. During this time, the EU and other Western countries advanced their bioeconomy efforts, leaving Japan somewhat behind in this field. Additionally, Japan provides more financial support for fossil fuels than other countries and generates most of its electricity from gas and coal. Other G7 countries have urged Japan to accelerate its transition to clean energy domestically and internationally.
Influenced by the G7, Japan agreed to stop funding international fossil fuel projects by the end of 2022 and significantly reduce fossil fuel usage by 2035. Thus, Japan needs to shift policies and actively promote the bioeconomy. To advance the bioeconomy in Japan, it is essential to incorporate bio-resource products from more developed bio markets abroad.
In December 2020, the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI), in collaboration with other ministries, formulated the "Green Growth Strategy towards Carbon Neutrality by 2050," which includes transitioning plastic products to bio-materials. Additionally, on April 1, 2022, the new Plastic Law came into effect. It requires businesses offering 12 specified plastic products to implement environmentally friendly methods of providing these items. The specified products range from forks and spoons to toothbrushes and hangers, affecting a wide range of businesses. Therefore, many businesses need to adopt these practices promptly. Reducing plastic and transitioning to sustainable bio-materials aim to protect the planet and offer tangible benefits to businesses, leading to a movement to produce eco-friendly products.
Regulations in Various Countries
Western countries have increasingly stringent regulations on traditional plastic products. In the US, the policy to strengthen PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) regulations was announced in 2021, with states like Maine and California starting regulations. PFAS, known for their heat resistance and water repellency, have been widely used in food container coatings but are now being regulated due to their environmental persistence and health risks, including carcinogenicity and immune suppression. In 2022, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced plans to enhance PFAS regulations. Although this plan primarily addresses drinking water, PFAS usage regulations are progressing steadily. It is likely that Japan will also tighten regulations on PFAS in the future. GESHER handles products that do not use PFAS coatings in response to these regulations.
Examples of Our Products
Packaging Materials
- Edible film made from seaweed
- Bags derived from tapioca starch that dissolve in hot water
- Bags made of PLA (plant-based plastic derived from grain starch)
- Paper bags using reinforced paper, reusable up to 2.5 times more than regular paper bags
Food Containers
- Containers made from bagasse (residue from sugarcane): PFAS-free
- Paper trays made from milk carton material with PE film for easy separation and recycling
Cutlery (Spoons, Forks, Knives)
- Biomass cutlery: Reduces plastic usage by 70% by mixing plant fibers from agricultural products
- Fully plant-based cutlery made from chlorella algae and PLA
Cups
- Bioplastic cups for cold drinks made from PLA
- Paper cups fully recyclable and free from plastic coating
For more details, please contact us at the link below:
https://gesher.co.jp/contact/